Obesity and weight management issues can significantly impact heart health, particularly in men under age 65 and women under age 50 who have struggled with these issues for a decade. A new study presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, ENDO 2024, revealed that individuals in these age groups who are overweight or obese for a prolonged period face a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The research, conducted using data from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, found a 25% to 60% increase in the risk of cardiovascular events for this demographic. In contrast, older adults, particularly women over 50 and men over 65, did not show an increased risk based on their weight status.
Dr. Andrew Turchin, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of early intervention in obesity management to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. He suggested that timely obesity treatment could be key in reducing the risk of heart problems in younger individuals. According to the research findings, excess weight becomes more harmful when present for a long time, highlighting the significance of addressing obesity issues early on. Dr. Sean Heffron, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Health, underscored the importance of further investigation into the relationship between obesity and heart health, noting that obesity severity and duration can impact health conditions differently.
The study also explored the concept of the obesity paradox, which suggests that higher BMI may have protective effects on older adults when it comes to cardiovascular health. Dr. Michelle Weinberg, a cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, highlighted that the middle age group in the study had the highest risk of heart problems, indicating the negative impact of excess weight on health. For older adults, the risk of heart attack and stroke associated with obesity appears to be lower compared to younger individuals, aligning with previous research suggesting that higher BMI in later years could confer some protective benefits against certain illnesses.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist, noted that extra weight may act as a buffer for older adults, potentially contributing to better cardiovascular outcomes in this demographic. While the reasons behind this phenomenon remain unclear, Chen stressed the importance of promoting heart-healthy lifestyles from a young age to reduce the risk of heart disease later in life. Developing healthy eating habits and maintaining a healthy weight are key components of heart-healthy living, as outlined by the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 guidelines. Overall, the study underscores the importance of early obesity management in preventing cardiovascular complications and improving heart health outcomes.
